Contact:
Richard Chapell
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 766-3638

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that sport fishing regulations for coho (silver) salmon in the Chilkat River drainage will be liberalized. Effective 12:01 A.M. on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, the bag and possession limits for coho salmon 16 inches or greater in length is six per day and twelve in possession in the Chilkat River drainage. The bag and possession limit for salmon less than 16 inches in length is 10 fish.

The inriver run of coho salmon to the Chilkat River is projected to be above the upper end of the escapement goal (30,000 to 70,000) this year. As of September 28, a total of 3,961 coho salmon have been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is the second highest catch on record for this date and more than double the 14-year average of 1,720 fish. The department is currently projecting that the inriver run will exceed 130,000 fish. Therefore, an increase in the bag and possession limit is warranted.

The liberalized regulations do not apply to the Chilkoot River drainage. The bag and possession limit in the Chilkoot River drainage is two coho salmon. Anglers are reminded that the number of fish in possession may not exceed the possession limit for the area you are fishing, regardless where the fish in possession were caught. In the Chilkoot River, for example, you may have no more than two coho salmon in possession.

If you need further information concerning this news release call (907) 766-2625 for recorded sport fishing information or call the Division of Sport Fish office in Haines at (907) 766-3638.